
Advertise on podcast: The Reality Of Reality
Rating
4.8from
This podcast has
52 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Kate RiccioExplicit
No
Date created
2025/10/06
Latest episode
2026/10/01
Average duration
50 min.
Release period
8 days
Description
Candid conversations about the reality of being on reality TV — straight from the people who lived it. Each week, your favorite reality stars spill the tea on what really goes down behind the camera (and what didn’t make the edit 👀). From household names to the forgotten icons you didn’t know you missed — this is The Reality of Reality. Hosted by Kate Riccio. (@katericcio on TikTok and @ricciorecaps on IG) Follow us at @TheRealityOfReality on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
Unlock The Reality Of Reality podcast Email contact info,
Listeners & Audience details
Email contact information
Direct podcast contact details

Listeners
Audience numbers & engagement insights

Audience details
Podcast Insights

Podcast episodes
Check latest episodes from The Reality Of Reality podcast
Milania Giudice’s Airport Incident, West Wilson vs. Brianna Chickenfry, The Truth About Hudson McLeroy, DJ Pauly D’s Engagement, and Below Deck Drama
2026/10/01
It has been a WEEK for reality TV watchers! So, in today’s episode, I’m breaking down the five biggest reality TV stories that have been living rent-free in my head, and there is A LOT to unpack.
First, we’re getting into the ongoing drama surrounding Milania Giudice, including the factors that may have contributed to her very public airport incident. Then, I’m taking a deep dive into Pauly D and Nikki Hall’s relationship history, from Double Shot at Love and Jersey Shore Family Vacation to Pauly’s daughter Amabella and everything that happened along the way. Next, I’m sharing an interview with Hudson McLeroy from Next Gen NYC that I wish we had gotten more of during the Season 2 reunion. Then, we’re diving into ALL the Below Deck Med drama currently unfolding, including the surprising [alleged] love connection that has developed since the season wrapped. And finally, we have to talk about West Wilson joining Netflix’s Million Dollar Secret! And why having Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia as a fellow cast member could seriously complicate his game.
From family issues and love connections to behind-the-scenes revelations and reality TV feuds, these are the five stories I can’t stop talking about. So tune in for my takes on everything happening in the world of reality TV right now!
TW: Mentions of addiction and DV
Producing “The Challenge” w/ Mikayla Giroux
2026/09/25
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work on reality TV? Well, Mikayla Giroux is pulling back the curtain and taking us behind the scenes!
Mikayla has worked on some of television’s biggest reality shows, including The Bachelorette, Big Brother, and The Masked Singer. Now, she’s giving us an inside look at what it takes to produce The Challenge—from what her role as a producer actually entails to what it’s like filming on location and navigating the unpredictable moments that come with producing a competition show.
Mikayla is sharing what viewers don’t get to see, what really goes into making The Challenge come to life, and some of the most memorable moments she’s experienced on set, and off - like attending the Emmy’s with Johnny Bananas, CT, and Phaedra Parks 👀.
Challenge fans, this one is for you. Tune in for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at The Challenge from the perspective of a producer.
Next Gen NYC Cast Deep Dive: Where Did They Come From?
2026/09/17
Ever wonder where the kids of Next Gen NYC actually came from? 👀 In today’s episode, I’m doing a deep dive into the backgrounds of the entire cast—from their childhoods and upbringings to their famous parents, family connections, and how they found themselves in the Bravo universe.
We’re getting into Ariana Biermann, Charlie Zakkour, Riley Burress, Brooks Marks, Liam Obergfoll, Emira D’Spain, Georgia McCann, Ava Dash, Shai Frutcher, Gia Giudice, Hudson McLeroy, and Rowan Henchy. And trust me, there is A LOT to unpack. From Gia Giudice’s parents’ jail time, to Charlie Zakkour’s connection to Lindsay Lohan, Ava Dash appearing on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and all of the Biermann family drama.
If you’ve ever wondered how the Next Gen NYC cast became who they are, this episode is for you!
Was the Love Island USA Reunion a Flop? w/ Farai Bennett
2026/09/03
Was the Love Island USA Season 8 reunion… a flop? In this episode, I’m joined by journalist and pop culture content creator Farai Bennett to hilariously break down our unfiltered thoughts on the reunion.
Together, we break down the “Core Four” dynamics, who we think were actually the “mean girls,” share our opinions on the final four couples (spoiler alert: only one of us loves “brinity”), and why it felt like none of the men were getting nearly enough heat!
We also discuss our fear of Dylan (lol), the Jaiden and Caleb controversy, what Sol could have done differently, and, of course… the girth check.
Love Island fans, this one is for you! Tune in now to hear our hot takes about the Love Island Reunion!
Bravo Hot Takes: The Valley, Next Gen NYC, Real Housewives, Below Deck & Southern Hospitality
2026/08/27
It may be a slow season for reality TV, but there is still plenty happening in the Bravoverse—and I have thoughts!
This week, I’m breaking down all the biggest moments from The Valley reunion, including the major differences between Luke and Kristen, the complicated dynamic between Michelle, Jesse, and Lacy, and, of course, Danny’s drinking—and what really happened after Jasmine’s wedding.
Then we’re heading to New York for Next Gen NYC. I’m ranking the entire cast from best to worst based on everything we’ve seen this season—and yes, I have some HOT takes about Brooks, Shai, and Charlie. 👀
Plus, there’s plenty of drama brewing in Charleston, from Southern Hospitality STILL waiting on a renewal to Leva’s pending lawsuit. And of course, we’re checking in on all the latest Below Deck Mediterranean drama and what’s happening on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip.
Georgianna Aubin Sets the Record Straight on House of Stassi
2026/08/20
Georgianna is setting the record straight! After seeing her life and relationships play out on House of Stassi, Georgi is opening up about what was really happening behind the scenes and sharing her perspective on some of the moments that made headlines.
We discuss her previous marriage, her ex-husband, and what ultimately led to their divorce, including the real story behind Stassi paying for both her wedding and her divorce. Georgianna also takes us back to growing up with Stassi as a sister, moving to California, the Vanderpump Rules days, and navigating their complicated family dynamic.
And of course, we talk about their mother, Dayna, as well as Stassi and Beau's marriage, the root of Georgianna's ongoing conflict with Beau's sister, Georgia, and the question that has been on everyone’s mind: Did Georgi and Rob actually hook up?!
Tune in for an unfiltered conversation with Georgianna as we get into the reality behind House of Stassi.
Deb Chubb Is Good At “The Challenge”?!
2026/08/13
Deb Chubb is BACK and ready to talk all about her massive elimination win! Episode 2 was a big one for Deb—not only was she sent into the season’s very first female elimination, but she had to go head-to-head with her friend and fellow rookie.
Deb takes us behind the scenes of everything that went down this episode, from competing in that intense daily challenge and getting dropped from a skyscraper to her team being disqualified—and everything in between. She’s also sharing what viewers didn’t get to see and how it felt to have her Challenge journey almostt come to an end in one elimination.
And it wouldn’t be The Challenge without a little house romance. Deb opens up about her showmance with Will, the other relationships developing inside the house, and the unexpected dynamics between Lete and Johnny Bananas.
The competition is heating up, and Deb is just getting started. Tune in for The Reality Of: The Challenge.
From Love Island to The Challenge: Deb Chubb Gets Cutthroat!
2026/08/06
From the Love Island villa to The Challenge house, Deb Chubb is entering a whole new world! In this episode, Deb walks us through her unique reality TV journey, from working behind the scenes in television to stepping in front of the camera herself.
She also spills plenty of Love Island USA and Love Island Games behind-the-scenes secrets, including how long recouplings actually take, what Islanders do on their days off, the infamous "sliding walls" cameras, scenes that never made it to air, and so much more.
Then, we dive into the premiere of The Challenge 42: Cutthroat. Deb shares how she landed a spot on the cast, what it's really like living in the Challenge house, joining one of the most stacked teams in the game's history, her juicy previous interaction with Johnny Bananas, and what fans can expect from her this season.
The Challenge is officially back! And if you're a fan of either franchise, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Tune in for The Reality Of: Love Island & The Challenge.
House Of Stassi Premiere & The Valley Finale RECAP
2026/07/30
The House of Stassi premiere and The Valley finale airing on the same night? Both centered around Halloween parties? Now that's cinema.
This week, I'm breaking down the premiere of Hulu's House of Stassi, which wastes no time bringing the drama. From reintroducing us to Stassi's world and revealing that she and Katie Maloney are on the outs, to sibling tension with Georgianna, marital issues with Beau and so much more—could House of Stassi be the next Keeping Up with the Kardashians?
Then, we head over to The Valley. Danny gets drunk (again), Luke is rude (again), Brittany clashes with Kristen (again), and Janet and Lala's confrontation with Danny ends with Janet launching a plastic Solo cup of wine straight at his forehead. We also dive into the biggest questions heading into next season: Will there be a cast shake-up? Could Nia become collateral damage? What does Brittany's fallout with Lori K mean moving forward? And where does The Valley go from here?
Tune in now for my unfiltered thoughts, hot takes, and full breakdown of House of Stassi and The Valley.
Reality Rewind: Taylor Hale Reveals What REALLY Happens Inside the Big Brother House
2026/07/24
Big Brother is one of the hottest shows of the summer, so I'm throwing it back to one of my earliest interviews with Big Brother legend - Taylor Hale!
Taylor made Big Brother history as the first Black woman to ever win the game — and the first player to take home both the grand prize and America’s Favorite Houseguest.
But her journey to the top was anything but easy. Taylor’s holding nothing back about her not-so-fun time in the house, what it was really like being filmed 24/7, why the live feeds became her best friend, and yes — how she got “kidnapped” before the season even started.
She also spills on life beyond the Big Brother walls: from winning Miss Michigan and Miss Congeniality (yes, that’s a real thing - not just a movie!) to hosting Big Brother Unlocked, running The Amazing Race with fellow alum Kyland Young, and the many reality TV shows she’s been asked to do but hasn’t done… yet 👀
Want to know what really goes on in that Big Brother house? Then listen up as Taylor Hale dives into The Reality Of: Big Brother.
Love Island USA Finale Breakdown, Post-Villa Drama & Reunion Predictions w/ Spill Sesh
2026/07/16
Love Island USA may be over, but there's still so much to talk about! In today's episode, Kristi Cooke, better known as @SpillSesh, joins me to recap everything from the Season 8 finale to all the post-villa drama.
You might know Kristi as the anonymous YouTuber behind Spill Sesh, where she built an audience of over 700,000 subscribers while never revealing her face or real voice. She opens up about the decision to finally reveal her identity, whether she has any regrets about going public, and some of the wild conspiracy theories people had about who she really was. 👀
Then, we dive into the Love Island USA Season 8 finale, breaking down the final dates, the winning couple, the celebrity messages, and how this finale was different than others. We also share our thoughts on all four final couples—Kayda & Zach, Melanie & Sincere, Aniya & Carl, and Trinity & Bryce.
And the drama definitely didn't end when the finale aired. We get into Sincere's family's controversial TikTok Live, Kenzie appearing on Call Her Daddy and the rumors about Dancing with the Stars, Trinity defending Zach against online hate, and all of our predictions for the reunion and Beyond the Villa.
The Reality Of: The Valley w/ Jasmine Goode
2026/07/09
Jasmine Goode has some serious reality TV lore, making her first television appearance on CMT's Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team. She then found herself competing for Nick Viall's heart on The Bachelor, which eventually led to Bachelor in Paradise. After that, she appeared on MTV's Ex on the Beach before taking a five-year break from reality TV—ultimately making her return on Bravo's The Valley.
In this episode, Jasmine is reminiscing on it all. She opens up about what it was really like being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, her true feelings about Nick Viall, navigating Ex on the Beach alongside Vanderpump Rules alum Faith Stowers, and why she ultimately turned down MTV's The Challenge.
Then, we get into all the drama on The Valley. We dive into Danny's drinking, her fallout with Janet, how the dynamic has changed since Jax Taylor’s departure, the possibility of Scheana Shay joining the cast, Zack’s terrifying moment on the bus in Mexico, and SO much more.
Nothing is off limits as Jasmine takes us behind the scenes of her reality TV career in this episode of The Reality Of: The Valley.
Pop Culture Catch-Up w/ Jess Lucero: The World Cup, Love Island, Cannes Lions, Dua Lipa, Summer House & more…
2026/07/02
My favorite pop culture expert, Jess Lucero (@JessTheReporter), is here and catching me up on everything I need to know! From Drake's beef with "Janice" and Dua Lipa and Callum Turners love story to what it was like interviewing Mr. Fantasy, Jess breaks down all the big moments we need to know about.
Fresh off a trip to Cannes Lions, Jess answers the question we've all been asking: What even is Cannes Lions? She also gives me the ultimate World Cup crash course, sharing everything the girlies need to know—including the inspiring story of Cape Verde's goalkeeper, Vozinha, and why she's such a big fan of Norway's Erling Haaland.
And because this is a reality TV podcast, we couldn't leave without diving into Love Island USA. We gush over "Brinity," discuss the damage control happening at Gal's Surf Shop, and debate whether the show should cast older Islanders. Plus, we break down the rumored Summer House Season 11 cast, discuss what the future golds for Amanda and West, and questions why Alix Earle has been living in the Summer House recently?
If you love pop culture, reality TV, and a little bit of everything in between, tune in now!
The Dark Side of Love Island: Scandals, Drama and Controversies Explained!
2026/06/25
Everyone is talking about Love Island! And while the show is known for its romance, sunshine, and viral moments, there's also a much deeper and more complicated history that many newer viewers may not know about.
In this episode, I'm taking a look back at some of the biggest scandals, controversies, and heartbreaking moments from both Love Island UK and Love Island USA. From the show's numerous host changes and unexpected islander exits to the tragic deaths that have shaped conversations around reality TV. I also take a closer look at Caroline Flack, the original host of Love Island UK, her impact on the series, and the headlines surrounding her highly publicized relationship with Harry Styles.
Whether you're a longtime viewer or just started watching this season, tune in now for Love Island: Past Scandals, Drama & Controversies.
The Reality Of: Southern Hospitality w/ Bradley Carter
2026/06/18
Charleston’s own Bradley Carter is here, and he’s spilling all the Southern Hospitality tea! In this episode, we dive into the evolution of the show’s friendships, what really happened to some of the “one-and-done” cast members, the ongoing (and seemingly one-sided) feud between Lake and Mia, the infamous hotel hallway recording, and the arrival of newcomers Justin, Bella and Julia. We also discuss Bradley’s thoughts on Julia potentially joining the cast full-time and how she fits into the group dynamic.
Bradley also reflects on his longtime friendship with Emmy before the show, how he feels she has changed over the years, and the impact he believes her current relationship has had on her. And when it comes to Emmy and Will? Let’s just say Bradley doesn’t hold back, explaining why he now says he “wishes nothing but the worst” for both of them.
If you're a Southern Hospitality fan, consider this your one-stop shop for behind-the-scenes tea, fan questions, Charleston recommendations, and very unfiltered opinions. Tune in for The Reality Of: Southern Hospitality.
Podcast reviews
Read The Reality Of Reality podcast reviews
Cristiana Konowitz 2026/08/31
One of my new faves
I listen to a good amount of bravo podcasts and Kate has become one of my favorites
MandiRaRa 2026/05/07
Episode with Mom
Absolutely loved the housewives episode with your Mom! Need more with Mom!! Also loved your Hagen episode!
mnrogers06 2026/04/19
Love!!
I was so bummed when Girls Unscripted ended, but love this new journey you are one and loving the podcast!!
bosox/-:4;: 2026/03/24
Ryan Bailey Romy
Great show guys thanks for your time and I will listen to your show too! Thanks for introducing us So bad it’s good RB!!!!
RKAF2021 2026/03/15
Voice Annoyance
The way she exaggerates her pronunciation makes me feel like I’m being reprimanded by a Valley Karen. No thanks
Lars Elizabeth 2026/01/06
Mention It All
I found Kate on TikTok and started listening and I love the pod. Super refreshing listen and great interviews. As a a fellow super fan of reality TV, ...
CalledServerKawaii2Face 2025/12/09
YES KATE!
Kate is the only ethical bravo content creator!!!
sarahtalena 2025/12/02
Obsessed!
I love watching Kate’s Tiktoks, so I’m so excited to continue listening to the podcasts! She is hilarious and so insightful. Can’t wait to watch the p...
Podcast sponsorship advertising
Start advertising on The Reality Of Reality relevant audience podcasts
You may also like to advertise on these Podcasts

4.73397774
The Ancients
History Hit

4.89077308
The Why Files: Operation Podcast
The Why Files: Operation Podcast

51088171
Middle Children
Jessie Jolles and Chris Burns

4.9264952000
Morning Wire
The Daily Wire

4.518762369
American Scandal
Audible

4.689271200
Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories
Slumber Studios

4.79026375
Life is Short with Justin Long
Audible

4.714092347
Bad Friends
Bobby Lee & Andrew Santino

4.7125269
10 to Life
Annie Elise

4.76750461
Criminology
Emash Digital & Mike Ferguson, Mike Morford